Sources said the debate with voting could be held on any two days beginning Monday.

It was a holiday today for Parliament on account of Guru Nanak Jayanti.

The indication from the government that it is preparing for a vote had come on Tuesday itself after the UPA coordination committee meet. This after allies DMK, SP and BSP, and former ally TMC clearly indicated that they would not embarrass the government if a vote is held in Parliament on FDI issue.

The BJP, whose parliamentary board also met in the morning yesterday, had stayed firm on its demand for voting on the matter, stating the government had backtracked on its promise made on the floor of the House.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told reporters yesterday after meeting UPA alliance partners that his government was on a solid footing. "Yes, we are confident of the numbers," Dr Singh had said.

According to informed sources, Speaker Meira Kumar will take a decision on the debating rules - 184 (debate with voting) and 193 (debate) - by Friday. The government may go for a debate by next week, the sources added.

While there is no danger to the government if it loses the vote as it is not a financial issue, it could cause political embarrassment.

The total strength of the Lok Sabha is 544. In a vote, the government will need only a simple majority.

The UPA, with its main allies, now has 245 members. The opposition National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has 150 seats and the Left have 24, taking it to a total of 174 assured votes against retail FDI.

Among other parties, Biju Janata Dal with 14 seats, AIADMK with nine and Telugu Desam Party with six have vowed to vote against the government.